topic Re: My First Colonosopy in Wellness

My First Colonosopy

Catty2 — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 22:48:22 GMT

I am having my first colonoscopy on Monday. Since I've had gastro issues for months and many other tests, this is the one test left to do. I have a problem with anxiety anyway and am already a nervous wreck about this. I've read all the instructions about the prep and what to expect, etc. My brother has had 2 of these done and he did fine, but he doesn't have anxiety like I do. I know there are meds you have to stop taking 5 days before the procedure, like Advil. I called the dr's office this afternoon and asked if it's OK for me to take xanax to help with this anxiety. The woman I talked to said she will send my question back to someone and they will call me about it. If anyone can help ease my mind about all this I would really appreciate it. I see there have been quite a few colonoscopy posts on this forum. Thank you.

Re: My First Colonosopy

Lilysmom — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 22:54:15 GMT

@Catty2, as it is your first procedure, it is normal to have some apprehension. It is a very good thing to do to ensure your health. Colon cancer is very treatable as it is slow growing so regular testing is important.

My advice is for you to let them know you are apprehensive. If you are at all uncomfortable during the procedure, tell them. They can adjust the medication.

Honestly, the last procedure I had, I didn't remember most of it.

Wishing you the best. For me, the prep is worse than the procedure itself. LM

Re: My First Colonosopy

Shelbelle — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 22:56:24 GMT

You will be just fine, I have had 2 and am a Xanax user, you wont need the Xanax, trust me!! I took pills for my prep, very easy, nothing terrible to drink.

Re: My First Colonosopy

Catty2 — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 22:57:50 GMT

@Lilysmom

I had an endoscope done in July and was totally out and they said I would be for this procedure too. Yes, I've had other people say the prep is worse than the test. Thank you for the information.

Re: My First Colonosopy

Lilysmom — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 22:58:52 GMT

@Catty2 @Shelbelle, I hope they have the pills next time I need the procedure. That drink is not fun! LM

Re: My First Colonosopy

GCR18 — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 22:59:49 GMT

I was very stressed by what I read about the prep and procedure. When I finally had it, I was like that's it. Two years later I had to have another one. I was calm as a cucumber. Eat lite starting tomorrow. Get your prep food ready on Saturday. I didn't do that and had to wait for my jello to set. LOL. Get lemon Italian ice to eat on prep day. You will be fine.

Re: My First Colonosopy

Catty2 — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 23:01:22 GMT

@Shelbelle

I have the liquid to take for the prep which I will start on Sunday night, then again on Monday morning. I meant taking xanax now to get me through this anxiety about the test. Thanks for the info.

Re: My First Colonosopy

Shelbelle — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 23:05:36 GMT

@Catty2 wrote:
@Shelbelle

I have the liquid to take for the prep which I will start on Sunday night, then again on Monday morning. I meant taking xanax now to get me through this anxiety about the test. Thanks for the info.

I would assume you can have the Xanax till about 24 hours prior to the test. You dont want it to interfere with what they put in the IV to knock you out. I took pills for my prep in 2005 and again in 2016, I am a terrible gagger and cant drink anything that tastes terrible. You will be fine!!

Re: My First Colonosopy

Chicagosuburbangirl — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 23:07:25 GMT

@Catty2 Most likely the only thing you will remember is counting backwards while you go inti a twilight, which for me knocked me out completely.

Re: My First Colonosopy

Cats3000 — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 23:11:11 GMT

I have had at least 3 because of several problems. The doctor doing the procedure should have given you a package of information with complete instructions on what meds to stop, when to start the clear liquid diet, and when and how to take the "colon-prep" liquid. I received this package each time I had a Colonoscopy.

Call your doctor tomorrow and discuss all of this with him. This forum ain't the place,

Re: My First Colonosopy

Roni18 — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 23:13:53 GMT

@Catty2 I have had 3 of them. Drinking the prep stuff is the worst of it. The actual procedure was no problem at all. I do understand your worry because I get anxious too. I have my first endoscopy next week and am really worried about that. I am just trying not to let myself think about it too much.

Re: My First Colonosopy

Jtdmum — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 23:29:16 GMT

@Catty2 wrote:
I am having my first colonoscopy on Monday. Since I've had gastro issues for months and many other tests, this is the one test left to do. I have a problem with anxiety anyway and am already a nervous wreck about this. I've read all the instructions about the prep and what to expect, etc. My brother has had 2 of these done and he did fine, but he doesn't have anxiety like I do. I know there are meds you have to stop taking 5 days before the procedure, like Advil. I called the dr's office this afternoon and asked if it's OK for me to take xanax to help with this anxiety. The woman I talked to said she will send my question back to someone and they will call me about it. If anyone can help ease my mind about all this I would really appreciate it. I see there have been quite a few colonoscopy posts on this forum. Thank you.

Are you anxious that they will find an issue or anxious about the actual prep?

The procedure is NOTHING. The prep isn't the most glamorous of days you'll have but you will survive and be just fine.

I've had 5 colonoscopies in 4 years. They found a cancerous polyp and removed it - Considering the alternative which would be metastatic adenocarcenoma- Possibly moving to my liver...chemo...I'll take the prep any day.

This would be an opportune time for you to try to meditate. If you have amazon prime you can find meditations online. Try to clear your mind, relax, think of your breathing and focus on relaxation from the top of your head out to your toes. You will be FINE!

Re: My First Colonosopy

RedTop — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 00:38:57 GMT

@Catty2,

Please just look at this test as something you HAVE to do; like a mammogram, a pelvic exam, an eye exam, renewing your drivers license, etc., it just has to be done, period.

I lost my dad 14 years ago to a common staph infection following his 2nd colon cancer surgery. Dad’s first surgery was right before he turned 54 years old.

With my colon cancer risk, I am diligent with my screenings. My doctor was also my dad’s doctor, so with 3 normal screenings behind me, he lets me decide when I’m ready for another, which has been every 4-5 years.

Stay positive and just do what you have to do.

Re: My First Colonosopy

hckynut — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 00:44:43 GMT

Hey @Catty2

Check out this link to a Colon Thread https://community.qvc.com/t5/Wellness/Wish-me-luck/td-p/4933846

It is in this forum titled "Wish me luck". There are a lot of things you might find out by reading that thread.

Now I have had 15 of them, plus a procedure called a Double Balloon Enteroscopy. Same prep/same entry point on the body/longer scope and it takes hours to look at the colon in High Definition. Have had 5 of those.

Everyone is a little anxious about any procedure they have no experience with personally, you are just being normal.

Read that thread, no need for me to go into my "sermon" about the importance of having a Colonoscopy.

My best to you with this procedure,

hckynut(john)

Re: My First Colonosopy

lovesrecess — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 01:29:17 GMT

I am scheduling my second one soon....I had no polyps so it's been five years since my first one....they told me to take 1/2 a xanax when I got up ( has to be at the hospital at 7 a.m.) and to take the other half of it as soon as I got there if I felt I needed it. I had to drink the pink stuff for my prep. I was so calm and relaxed from the Xanax that the procedure was a breeze. No pain whatsoever, if that is a concern for you. Let your dr know you are anxious and he will let you know what to take.

Re: My First Colonosopy

lovesrecess — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 01:37:30 GMT

I am having my second colonoscopy in a few weeks....it is true that the prep is the only rough part. I was also anxious and the dr gave me a script for two pills....xanax. He said take 1/2 a pill. Everything was just fine. Filling out the paperwork took longer than the procedure itself! I am sure you will be fine, but it's just not a fun thing to prep for. I kept the other pill for the next colonoscopy so I am all set.

Re: My First Colonosopy

software — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 01:44:41 GMT

I wish there was something I could tell you to ease your anxiety.

I'm the same way

I was diagnosed with Crohns, any time I am out of my routine it sends me into a tizzy.

And the anxiety makes my Crohns symptoms worse, which adds to the anxiety & it's just a vicious circle that gets worse & worse.

The procedure itself is easy, I've had about 6.

You'll get into a gown, they will start an IV, drift off to sleep and in about the blink of an eye, you will be awake again, feeling rested, procedure over. Don't make any plans for the rest of the day. Just relax. Trust me.

Hope everything works out OK for you.

Re: My First Colonosopy

Catty2 — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 01:53:57 GMT

@Cats3000

I did receive all that information from my doctor when the procedure was scheduled. I was using this forum to get some feedback from people who have gone through this and to try to lessen my anxiety. Thanks for your info.

Re: My First Colonosopy

mousiegirl — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 04:51:24 GMT

@Catty2 wrote:
@Shelbelle

I have the liquid to take for the prep which I will start on Sunday night, then again on Monday morning. I meant taking xanax now to get me through this anxiety about the test. Thanks for the info.

@Catty2 This is what worked for me. I had a glass of ice water, and a plate of lemon slices next to the prep liquid and glass. I made sure the prep was cold, and I drank it through a straw as then you won't taste it much, sucked a lemon slice immediately, then drank some water. I was able to get the liqud down pretty quickly with this method, and I then drank much more water than the minimum.

Have vaseline and baby wipes to prevent irritation. I ate lemon jello and chicken broth for several days, and drank water. Don't eat or drink anything red or purple, but you probably know this from your other exam.

Re: My First Colonosopy

Addie2118 — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 04:34:28 GMT

Just had a colonoscopy and endoscopy 3 weeks ago. They gave me a prep called "clenpiq." The taste was dreadful, but it did clean me out. I did this in two preps. One at 5 pm, and the second at 9 pm. Expect to be on the toilet until early morning. You really do sleep during the procedures. Before you know it, you're awake. The doctor will stop by to let you know the basics. If you have polyps, they remove them and also do biopsies on them. I had no pain from either procedure. My throat felt a little funny because I'm assuming they stuck a tube down it. I know it's easy to say, but try to relax this weekend, and eat on the lighter side, until the day before where you just do clear liquids. I would also recommend taking a nap, the morning/early afternoon before you begin the prep. I was exhausted by the time I went to the endoscopy center, because I was up most of the night and early morning before the procedure. You will be fine. I actually went on a short grocery shopping errand with my husband later that afternoon. (Although they do tell you to rest ) You shouldn't drive your car until the next day.